I met Carin at a commune , thats the punchline. A place that if it werent for our health issues would never have dragged our two lives together to that place. I remember initially thinking Carin was Paul's partner , and i thought “ Oh gosh not another couple with a eyebrow raising age gap”. I shortly after learned she was Paul's daughter and thought “ wow what an incredible dad!” ( and he was and is !) I knew right away Carin and I were going to be great friends after our first conversation based on how grounded and funny she was. We quickly became a part of eachother’s immediate support system. We were both invested in helping each other get well, constantly brain storming, and sharing ideas. I remember fondly whenever there was a new baby animal on the property , she paid close attention to it and gave me and mark the rundown on their activities and whereabouts with absolute detail and obsession. She loved baby animals. I-remember she spent hours building a sanctuary hangout for the toads on the property. She called it “ toadtopia”. There was a repurposed bird pond and rock features. I also remember playing double agent/ matchmaker between Carin and Mark. I remember when she admitted to me that she liked Mark, and she made me swore to not tell him. That was the only time I lied to her haha. I soon after sprinted to Mark to tell mark the good news. Mark liked Carin from the very beginning. They were perfect for one another and I was so happy to see my two favorite people be in love together. I loved being carins friend. I loved her in all her forms. Losing her was and is still inconceivable. I presumed she would be in my life forever, as so many of us did. She was the main character in so many of our lives. She brought color and intrigue to everything. Being around her vivid,curious, brilliant, quick witted, wise, articulate mind was never boring. That girl could pun like no other. Anyone that met her would say she was truly unique.

While her life was cut tragically too soon , I will always remember our friendship. Knowing she is finally out of pain and at peace has helped me cope and find peace through this tragedy. Carin… I cant wait to give your tiny cute clean self the absolute biggest bear hug when I see you again. I’m sorry, I forgive you, I understand , and I love you.